Domaine Philippe Tessier Cour-Cheverny (Romorantin) La Porte Doree 2023 NO20230712 2018 is widely considered one

2018 is widely considered one of the great recent Napa vintages — long

87% Zinfandel with smaller portions of Alicante Bouschet

rested briefly in small oak

A wedge of prosciutto-wrapped melon on the side is not required

A current-release white built for sunshine and easy drinking

Domaine Philippe Tessier Cour-Cheverny (Romorantin) La Porte Doree 2023 NO20230712 2018 is widely considered oneRomorantin is grown in exactly one appellation on earth: Cour Cheverny, a sliver of the Loire barely fifty hectares in size. Legend has it Francois I had the vines brought up from Burgundy in the 1500s; five centuries later there is still almost none of it, and Tessier makes some of the best. La Porte Doree is the estate's flagship, from 80 to 90 year old vines on clay over limestone bedrock, fermented with native yeasts and left to rest on its lees